24th Jan 2007, 11:08

24th Jan 2007, 15:17

I'm about to purchase a used 2000 Volvo S40, so I was looking to see what, if any, major problems owners have had with this vehicle, my last vehicle was a MAJOR headache, so I don't want to bring on another with this car, thanks!

25th Jan 2007, 02:23

To the person looking to buy a S40. Buy one! They are generally solid cars and can cope with the miles. DO not buy a solid colour and make sure that the history is complete. We brought one with a full service history 2 years ago and it has not given us one problem in over 30,000 miles - with the exception of one headlamp bulb and bonnet cable. Bulbs always blow, but they are on all the time in the UK so that's expected! Buy one and enjoy!

25th Jan 2007, 07:08

I would say that anyone that lives in a sunny climate and does not keep their car garaged at all times should not purchase a (non-metallic) red. I know red looks cool, but for practical reasons this is not wise. You should not blame Volvo for this, it's not their fault and this is a problem with all manufacturers. Regular waxing will help, but the paint will still oxidize and go gray it just takes longer time.

25th Jan 2007, 08:51

I must also add that the older S40s are NOT the same car as the newer ones. One was based on a Mitsubishi and the newers ones are an all-new platform that underlies the European Focus, Mazda 3 and others.

So the name is the same, but the cars are not. Just make sure you are talking about the same vehicle.

25th Jan 2007, 10:20

Technically the last comment was true. Cars dated from 2004 onwards are generally the newer body style sharing the same platform as the new Focus, etc. The old model (95-04) was based on the same production line as the Mitsubishi, but actually shares very little in common. Both, however, are great cars!

25th Jan 2007, 12:04

Thank you for the quick response :) The Volvo S40 that I'm about to purchase is a 2000, so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Of course I would love to buy a brand new 2006 or 2007, but that just isn't an option for me at this point as a recent college grad. I am purchasing the 2000 from a trusted co-worker and hope that all will be well.

25th Jan 2007, 12:46

In recent years the quality and reliability of Volvo has declined somewhat. I think I'd look at some other brand, probably a late model Buick. They are very highly rated by J.D. Powers in owner satisfaction and are noted for great reliability. My mom currently drives a 2006 Volvo S60, and though there are no problems as yet, she doesn't like it nearly as well as her Lincoln Town Car. We tried to talk her into the absolutely awesome new Buick Lucerne, but she opted to go with the S60 because it had more snob appeal.

26th Jan 2007, 05:43

In recent surveys in the UK, the S40 (and V40) has just been awarded most reliable (non Japanese) European car. This has been the case for a while. Often overlooked, but great value for money. Obviously I can't comment against American cars (None over here!!! - Apart from the crappy Neon and PT Cruiser - Hope all American cars aren't as bad as these!!!), but the S40 is generally a very reliable car - especially when put against the Merc C-class, BMW 3 -series, etc. The Volvo is not quite as accomplished in some areas - except safety and comfort - and makes a very solid buy. The year 2000 cars were great as they had ironed out some of the issues from earlier examples and handle better too, due to tweaks in '99.

29th Aug 2007, 20:45

I would not recommend buying an S40. I own a 2001 S40 it has been absolutely terrible as has the service from Volvo. A year after purchasing the car the engine would die in the middle of driving, it has been a year since the first incident occurred and Volvo has yet to find the problem.